US EditionLakers Free Agency: Two Center Targets After Uncertainty Around LeBron Moved Brook Lopez to Sign with Clippers
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, JUL 1 – The Lakers and Pacers vie for Deandre Ayton, who averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last season, as both teams seek to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming NBA campaign.
- Deandre Ayton became a free agent after signing a buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers amid the 2025 NBA free agency period.
- Portland tried to trade Ayton but ultimately bought him out due to a down year and limited playing time from injuries this season.
- The Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks both emerged as primary suitors for Ayton, with the Lakers needing a legitimate center since last season.
- Ayton, a 27-year-old 7-foot center with solid career averages and athleticism, is regarded as a key addition to support LeBron James’ championship aspirations, per agent Rich Paul’s statement.
- While the Lakers previously pursued other centers like Brook Lopez and Clint Capela, their signings elsewhere increased urgency for the Lakers to finalize a deal with Ayton to fill a crucial roster hole.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Lakers Need to Sign Deandre Ayton to Maintain NBA Title Push Amid LeBron James Rumors
There has been no greater need for the Los Angeles Lakers over the last year than a legitimate center. It has been the most blatant hole on the roster and one that everyone and their mothers knew entering free agent absolutely had to be addressed for the team to ultimately get where they wanted to go, that being the NBA Finals.
Lakers Big Three Dreams Within Reach After Championship Center Pursuit
In a surprising twist this free agency, Brook Lopez made a quick decision to join the Los Angeles Clippers on Day 1, leaving the Lakers to regroup and find a new plan to bolster their frontcourt. Not ones to shy away from taking bold steps, the Lakers moved swiftly to secure former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton. Despite some whispers about past off-court hiccups, the Lakers are betting big on Ayton’s potential and talent. But the drama doesn’…
Brian Windhorst Hints Deandre Ayton Could Be Lakers’ Next Big Move After Bucks Land Myles Turner
Deandre Ayton (Image Credits: Imagn) The Los Angeles Lakers are aggressively looking for a role player to take care of their center court worries, and things might soon get interesting. According to ESPN’s NBA insider Brian Windhorst, Deandre Ayton, a former No. 1 overall pick, could be the ideal solution. Windhorst recently addressed the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent acquisition of Myles Turner and put the Lakers on the hot seat for Ayton. For now, …
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- 67% of the sources are Center
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